Off road

Fresh updates have emerged about Hyundai’s long-awaited ute for Australia. Last week, the brand revealed the as-yet unnamed answer to the Ford Ranger, BYD Shark 6, Toyota HiLux and Chery Stockman has been whittled down to a choice of two upcoming global models. Both options may end up coming to Australia, serving two different ends of the segment, with the more-premium entrant also including a 4WD wagon to take on the new Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Prado and Ford Everest. According to Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) Chief Operating Officer Gavin Donaldson the ute (and likely any SUV offshoot) could be either the American proposal as loosely previewed by the Boulder SUV concept… or something based upon something else. "There is a lot of discussion," he told CarsGuide. "We've kept two options open, because we think both could technically work. We won't shut the door on one and then maybe (want the other). We've maintained two options that we have kept it open for." Asked if the Boulder Concept is the front runner, Donaldson said it is in with a strong chance. “Whilst we can't confirm, we will probably say if (Hyundai internationally) is looking at something from the (United) States, we could still consider that one, because that's definitely on the drawing board," he revealed. "And then there’s other one. I would just say the only other option is if we wanted to bring speed to market quicker… there's probably only one other option.” While Donaldson declined to elaborate on that, it is believed that he is referring to an updated version based on the Kia Tasman. He also hinted that Australia is having input into development. “There's a lot of discussions, a lot of recommendations,” he said. “We're putting through all the different style of pickup we would want. We've made it very clear what we want. “We make it very clear what powertrain want, and now we're just working through the process of what's achievable and what’s not.” This could mean that the Tasman would come first to speed things up, as the Boulder concept-derived ute and SUV will not likely arrive until near the end of the decade at the earliest. Fuelling this speculation is Donaldson’s comments about having to settle for something other than the preferred petrol-electric hybrid powertrain – which immediately puts to mind the Hyundai Motor Group’s long-lived 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine as found in the Tasman. “Ultimately, we're saying we think we probably need a hybrid engine of some sort,” he said. “But we'll never say never to any powertrain at the end of the day, because if something means it can come along quicker with a different powertrain, then we would say yes. “But for us, we think it's a hybrid powertrain is what we need.” Whichever ute comes first to Australia, it is clear that HMCA is considering a two-pronged attack on the market. “(With the Boulder Concept-based ute), we're trying to simplify a very complex internal business discussion,” according to HMCA product planning manager, Tim Rodgers. “It’s got multiple layers and paths and options…” Watch this space.

The current, cool and confident Land Rover Defender has been a big success for the iconic British brand. But for some, its shift to monocoque construction took away an element of ultimate toughness inherent in a body-on-frame four-wheel drive. So, if you're hankering for the good old days of a ladder-chassis Defender, complete with the boxy, upright design made famous over close to 80 years, your (nearly) new car has arrived. The Defender Classic V8, hand‑built using re-engineered and upgraded original Solihull‑produced 2012-2016 donor vehicles, is now available for commission in Australia. Defender Classic is an official factory division of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), housing expert craftspeople with the restoration knowledge and skills required to deliver what the brand said is “the ultimate expression of customisation” with every vehicle made to an individual specification. Powered by a genuine 298kW/515Nm 5.0‑litre naturally aspirated Land Rover V8 with eight‑speed automatic transmission, the Classic V8 is available in a range of 90 and 110 body styles, priced from £209,000 (~A$398,000), plus “applicable delivery and local taxes.” Three body styles - 90 Station Wagon, 90 Soft Top and 110 Station Wagon - will be followed by more variants soon with extensive customisation available, including “exterior colour palettes, hood colours and styles, interior materials and lifestyle accessories.” Options include Heritage, Standard or Adventure grille designs, black or silver exterior packs, 16-inch ‘Wolf’ steel wheels (finished in Black or Limestone) or 18-inch ‘Sawtooth’ alloy wheels (in Gloss Black or Diamond-turned with Black contrast finish). The Defender Classic V8 features upgrades including LED headlights, four-piston Alcon brakes, pistol shifter gear selector as well as premium leather across the dashboard, seats, door panels and roof lining. Subtly integrated modern tech includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation and digital radio managed through a 4.8-inch multimedia touchscreen. Options include Premium seats (with performance-focused Recaros available on certain models), a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen system (integrated within a custom fascia), an Explorer Pack (including a Ply Guys Camper Conversion) and a Suspension Upgrade Kit with revised Eibach coil spring rates and anti-roll bars and Bilstein dampers. Introducing Australian availability of the Defender Classic V8, Defender Classic Director Dominic Elms said, “Since its introduction, our Works Bespoke program has become the ultimate expression of Defender Classic ownership, with clients commissioning highly individual vehicles tailored to their personal tastes and lifestyles.  “The program has enabled our teams to showcase extraordinary levels of craftsmanship, creativity and attention to detail, with every Defender Classic V8 handcrafted to an individual’s specification.  “As we expand into new markets, we look forward to helping new clients bring their vision to life through a truly custom commissioning experience,” he said.

Mitsubishi in Australia says it has its hand in the air for an expanded Pajero family as it plots a new model line that it hopes will elevate it to the upper echelon of off-road brands in this market.

GWM has revealed pricing and specifications for its completely overhauled and hybrid-only H7 mid-size SUV range. Arriving in two powertrains across two trim levels, the boxy SUV is a completely different model to the one it replaces. Swapping out its basis on the Chinese-market Haval ‘Big Dog’ and instead opting for the larger and tougher Raptor, the H7 nameplate has scored a significant glow-up for Australia. Offered as either a plugless hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), pricing starts from $46,990 for the base H7 Lux HEV, stretching to $53,990 for the Vanta PHEV. See full pricing for the range below. The HEV pairs a 1.5-litre engine to dual electric motors for total outputs of 182kW/670Nm, while the plug-in hybrid version ups power even further to 320kW/670Nm. All are all-wheel drive, featuring the brand’s signature Hi4 system, which features a front-mounted hybrid transmission and “enhanced” traction systems consisting of eight drive modes as well as a locking rear differential. The large 33.7kWh battery pack in the plug-in hybrid allows up to 137km of pure EV driving range. The brand claims the PHEV can travel up to 844km in combined driving conditions. PHEV versions also come with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) discharging system. The H7 sits above the more traditional H6 family mid-sizer in the brand’s range, whilst also positioned below the more hardcore ladder-frame based Tank 300 in the wider GWM line-up. Standard features on the Lux (HEV or PHEV) include: 19-inch alloy wheels LED headlights, tail lights, and DRLs Synthetic leather seat trim 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen Wireless phone mirroring Eight-speaker audio 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Front and rear USB C and USB A ports as well as dash camera port Six-way power seat adjust for the driver, four way manual adjust for front passenger Wireless phone charger Push-button start, keyless entry, electronic park brake Full-size spare wheel The Vanta grade (HEV or PHEV) adds: Memory mirror functions Contrast gloss black trim Rear privacy glass Heated steering wheel Auto dimming rear vision mirror Inbuilt sunshades in rear windows Eight-way power adjust for the driver Four way electric adjust for front passenger Heated and ventilated front seats Ambient interior lighting Head up display 10-speaker premium audio All versions score the same active safety suite, and array of seven airbags, complete with adaptive cruise control. HEV versions get black 19-inch wheels, while PHEVs get two-tone designs. There are five colours to pick from in the H7 range including: Emerald Green Velvet Black Storm Grey Mystic Grey Hamilton White Mystic Grey can only be chosen on Vanta grades. In terms of performance, the plugless hybrid variant can sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.0 seconds, while the PHEV can complete the same sprint in 4.9 seconds despite weighing in at nearly 200kg more. All versions have an approach angle of 25 degrees, a departure angle of 32 degrees and a breakover angle of 20 degrees. They can wade up to a depth of 580mm and the H7 is capable of towing up to 1500kg braked regardless of variant. The SUV’s swing-open tailgate with rear-mounted spare reveals a luggage capacity of 586-litres regardless of powertrain, with 1404L when the second row is folded flat. The H7 is designed to offer a more adventurous SUV in Haval’s line-up, compared to the more family-focused H6, and sporty H6GT. At launch, the H7 is also offered with a drive-away pricing incentive, with the Lux HEV costing $45,990 D/A and the Lux PHEV priced at $49,990 drive-away. This pricing puts the H7 up against the likes of the Subaru Outback (AWD only, from $48,990 before on-roads), Nissan X-Trail (e-Power HEV AWD from $49,080 before on-roads), or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (AWD only, from $58,990 before on-roads). The H7 is part of yet another fresh product offensive from GWM as it aims for a top-five position in Australia's new car market, despite newer rivals like Chery closing in. The brand is confident the array of choice it offers from its five sub-brands, Ora, Haval, Tank, Cannon and Wey will bolster its chances.

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has declared war on sub-standard quality across the automotive giant’s portfolio of 14 brands. He says the strategy he has put in place to tackle the well documented problems many of the group’s high-profile nameplates have faced in recent years is starting to bear fruit. In an overnight presentation of Q3 2026 results from the company’s Amsterdam HQ, Filosa said, “During the quarter, we continued to make progress in the early execution of our FaSTLAne 2030 plan, launching new products, accelerating partnerships as planned and delivering meaningful improvements in manufacturing and quality.”    Speaking with Automotive News Europe in a post-presentation interview he referenced the roughly 80 ‘war rooms’ established across the business, including engineering, quality and manufacturing personnel working with the group’s suppliers to iron out long-standing issues. Recalls, including a global call back of over 1.3 million Jeeps in June this year for an imminent fire risk, have not only cost the company in terms of physical rectification, but brand reputation. That recall, where owners were advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures, put a massive dent in Jeep’s already fragile credibility, with over 9000 Wrangler and Gladiator models (built between 2020 and 2024) impacted in Australia. And the Automotive News Europe report included feedback from HSBC Analyst Michael Tyndall, who said. “There is no end in sight to (the) recalls.” “Stellantis had 18 more recalls in the third quarter, cumulatively impacting 3.4 million vehicles, with many requiring a dealer visit to be fixed.” The Stellantis Group houses European brands Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS, Fiat (+ Fiat Professional), Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot and Vauxhall with US nameplates including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram. Citing a specific problem with a 12-volt battery system that, among other things, caused the unit to drain and leave vehicles unable to start, Filosa said, “Fifteen months ago we were behind the competition. “In the next two months, the quality of this specific system, which is in every one of our cars in North America, will be top quartile.” Stellantis has built up its in-house engineering strength in recent years, adding thousands to the head-count, with the hiring campaign on-going. And on top of that, Filosa said AI (Artificial Intelligence) will be part of the company’s armoury to address vehicle issues that have raised expenses for repairs and warranties. Despite the still frequent recalls, Filosa said the group remains “very happy” with its brands, with none up for sale, adding, “We just need to put our heads down and work relentlessly on execution.”

Nissan will commence deliveries of the new Y63-generation Patrol in the first quarter of 2027 and many Australians have already put in orders. Speaking with CarsGuide, Nissan Australia Managing Director Steve Milette said 2500 people have registered their interest for the new Y63 Patrol. It’s claimed these have so far converted into “over 500 firm orders”. “This is probably higher than we would have thought. It just shows how powerful the product is,” said Milette. Milette added that 70 per cent of the orders are skewing toward the two higher grades - the Pro-4X and Ti-L Reserve. When the Y63 Patrol launches in Australia in the first quarter of 2027, it will be just around two and half years after it was first revealed. Australia is the first right-hand drive market the Y63 Patrol is launching in. It’s around two years after it launched in left-hand drive markets as the Armada. Six grades of the Y63 Patrol are being offered in Australia. They’re priced as follows: Power in the Y63 Patrol comes from a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 317kW and 700Nm. This is 19kW and 140Nm more than the Y62’s 5.6-litre naturally aspirated V8. The V6 engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with drive sent through a full-time four-wheel drive system. There’s a low-range transfer case, an electronic-locking rear differential, as well as eight drive modes. Braked towing capacity is 3700kg across the line-up, as well as trailer blind-spot warning.

Nissan’s Chinese partner, Dongfeng, is rolling a new tough-looking SUV off the production line in China. Dubbed the X700, this new rig hasn’t spawned from the Dongfeng-Nissan partnership, but Dongfeng’s tough M-Hero sub-brand. It shows just what the Chinese giant has in its arsenal that it could share with the wider motoring world, and it could plug a mighty big hole in Nissan’s line-up left by the departed Pathfinder large SUV. It is a big, butch SUV that looks more like a rough-and-tumble off-roader than a family-hauler. Boxy styling is complemented by chunky guards that run along the bottom of the vehicle, black wheels and side-hinged tailgate with spare wheel-like storage box on the tailgate. It may look like it can handle some tough trails, but it is more suited to gravel tracks and urban commutes. The X700  has ditched the ladder frame that underpins other M-Hero vehicles and uses monocoque underpinnings that is better suited to SUVs. Sophisticated multilink rear suspension paired with double wish-bone suspension up front, along with dual-chamber air suspension means it will be better at smoothing out pockmarked streets than rock-hopping. It is a big unit, measuring 5035mm long, 1999mm wide, 1890mm tall with a wheelbase of 2920mm. Under the bonnet is a plug-in hybrid set-up that pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors for a combined 405kW sent to all four wheels. This allows it to spring to 100km/h in less than five seconds. In China it comes with two battery options, a circa-51kWh or 68kWh unit that deliver an electric driving range of 285km and 360km, respectively. Both of the driving ranges are calculated by the more lenient Chinese test cycle. Nissan has confirmed the Nissan Navara Pro plug-in hybrid ute is coming to Australia next year, which is based on the Dongfeng Z9. But more are coming, according to Nissan Australia boss Steve Milette. “There’s a lot of vehicles that were revealed at the Auto China [motor show this year],” he said. “I mean, we have our hand up for many of those and it’s just a matter of going through the proper business cases, just like we went through on the Navara Pro PHEV, but there definitely is a need for us to continue down the electrification of our portfolio and expanding the line-up and so more to come in the future.” Nissan showed a range of vehicles including the NX8 electric and range-extender hybrid large SUV, Nissan Terrano PHEV concept, Nissan Urban SUV PHEV concept. The Terrano is an SUV version of the Navara Pro PHEV and it has been caught testing in Australia already. The Chinese EVs are likely for Australia as the company has ruled out the new Leaf and Juke electric SUVs that likely won’t be price competitive if they were sold here. Time will tell if Nissan reaches deeper into Dongfeng’s portfolio to plug more gaps in its line-up.

Of the many events and reveals at the 2026 Chery International User Summit, Omoda/Jaecoo’s evening drew one of the larger crowds. It was the setting for the unveiling of the 2026 Omoda X concept, a rugged-looking SUV that will spawn a production car, though not much is known about it just yet. Measuring 4650mm long, 1910mm wide and 1720mm tall, the Omoda X isn’t far in size from a Toyota RAV4, though its off-road lean suggests an aim perhaps more at the likes of the Subaru Forester. But the Omoda X is also a platform to show off some tech the Chery sub-brand has been working on, like an “infrared thermal imaging night-vision system” and a drive mode selection system called ‘X-Mode’, which Subaru may take issue with. The brand confirmed along with plug-in hybrid and battery electric drivetrains, there will also be an option of all-wheel or two-wheel drive setups. The off-road chops of the Omoda X are apparent in the all-terrain rubber it wears on its 19-inch alloys, its apparent 200mm of ground clearance and its claimed wading depth of at least 700mm. The roof has the capacity to be loaded with up to 75kg of weight, and an 1800kg braked towing capacity opens decent possibilities for hauling adventure gear on a trailer. A “Mecha Command Cockpit” inside with a 10.25-inch digital driver display screen and 13.2-inch multimedia touchscreen are paired with physical controls for climate control and drive settings - a rare but useful move from Omoda. While nothing is confirmed for Australia yet, the brand’s local CCO has made a statement as part of a local press release that states further details of the Omoda X are set to be revealed at a later date. "It’s exciting to see the innovative products coming from our global headquarters, and the reveal of the Omoda X marks another significant step forward for the brand", said Roy Munoz, Omoda Jaecoo Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer. "Combining a futuristic, rugged design with groundbreaking technology, including a thermal imaging camera, the Omoda X demonstrates our commitment to challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of what customers can expect from a modern vehicle."

Mahindra isn’t going to be left out of the 4WD craze overtaking the globe, as it taps into its tough off-road heritage for a new Jimny-rivalling small off-roader. Design images Mahindra has filed with the Indian Patent Office preview a compact boxy 4WD frame, with all the hallmarks of something more capable than your average small SUV. Following in the footsteps of the Jimny, this new Mahindra model has short overhangs, a high ground clearance, an upright stance, and even a rear-mounted spare wheel and roof ladder accessory. It is expected to be less than four meters in total length, placing it firmly in small car territory. The design patent and recent sightings in the wild preview a production version of the Vision S concept, which Mahindra showed in August 2025 as part of its 2027 vision project. The patents adhere very closely to the design cues of the concept, suggesting the production car will be very true to the original look previewed in 2025, complete with the accessories the show car appeared with at the time. The car has also been spotted multiple times testing in India in the past few weeks, in closer-to-production guise, complete with proper wing mirrors. Images from spotted vehicles also show off a more tech-y interior than the Jimny, with large screens and a more modern design direction complete with fresh switchgear for the brand. Interestingly the spotted cars maintain a manual transmission (still popular in the Indian market), making it clear that it will continue to be offered with a more traditional combustion drivetrain, rather than a full hybrid system which generally requires a bespoke automatic transmission, or as a fully electric model. Inside, the small 4WD is expected to debut with Mahindra’s next-generation software suite, and it is also expected to launch with at least some of the modern active safety equipment it would need to pass the requirements for an Australian launch. Small cars like the Jimny, and other ultra compact combustion vehicles, tend to be limited in how well they can score in the local ANCAP testing regime. It is unclear whether this, or Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) emissions regulations, will put the brakes on the production Vision S for our market. As to what may power this boxy off-roader, Mahindra’s current engine family includes a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged unit in the more mainstream XUV 3XO, which is paired to a six-speed traditional automatic transmission. Producing 82kW/200Nm, it would be a suitable unit to challenge the Jimny. What we do know is Mahindra is on the cusp of a model range expansion for the Australian market, and has confirmed its upcoming Lifestyler dual-cab ute as a successor to its rugged Pik Up, which had a small but loyal following in Australia. The Lifestyler is expressly designed to be a mainstream rival to the likes of the Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton and is expected to use the related Scorpio SUV’s 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine. To offset these emissions-producing products, Mahindra is also expected to introduce its XEV 9e electric mid-size SUV before the end of 2026. The new model has already been spotted testing in Australia ahead of its arrival. As with the rest of Mahindra’s range, expect all models in this new product offensive to be competitively priced. While it may not be as headline-grabbing or as popular as Chinese competitors like Chery or GWM, Mahindra has enjoyed relative success since re-booting itself with cars like the XUV700, XUV3X0, and Scorpio 4WD. Expect to learn more about Mahindra’s new model plans for Australia before the end of 2026.

The Changan Hunter K70 is a range-extender hybrid ute that has just arrived in China to battle the BYD Shark 6. It will start from 192,900 yuan (or roughly $41,000), with prices rising up to 249,800 yuan (or about $53,000). The Hunter K70 is generally bigger than conventional ute rivals, with dimensions of 5380mm long, 2085mm wide, 1950mm tall and a 3260mm wheelbase. This means it’s similar in length to the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, while it's substantially wider and taller than the pair. The Hunter K70 uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 140kW to charge the battery. The ute has a combined system output of 260kW, with 110kW and 150kW front- and rear-mounted motors to drive all four wheels. This is less power than the Shark 6’s 321kW plug-in hybrid set-up, but Changan could opt to offer the Hunter K70 with more power in Australia like some other Chinese models. The Hunter K70 is equipped with a 43.5kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery from the world’s biggest battery maker CATL that offers 121km of EV-only driving range, according to WLTC testing. Changan has designed the ute's interior for comfort as opposed to more utilitarian purposes. It combines a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 7.5-inch digital driver display that are angled towards the driver. Many surfaces are wrapped in soft-touch leatherette instead of hard plastic, with contrasting stitching on the armrests, door panels and centre console. The car can also directly charge or power external devices through its vehicle-to-load (V2L) system at up to 30kW using high-voltage ports in the range-topping grade. The Hunter K70 backs up its off-road focus with a rugged ladder-frame chassis and a transparent underbody camera to help drivers tackle rocky or uneven terrain. Changan is pitching the ute as a weekend camper, showcasing photos of it fitted with a rooftop tent, for added lifestyle credentials. Changan Australia's Head of Brand and Marketing Andrew Haurissa confirmed sub-brands Nevo and Avatr will launch in Australia. With Changan expected to launch in Australia under the Nevo banner, and rival JAC already selling its own Hunter PHEV locally, the Hunter name faces major hurdles to reaching Aussie showrooms. Its utility-focused K50 sibling is sold in Thailand, which is another right-hand drive market, improving the Hunter name's chances of a local arrival. Buyers can expect a 20-to-30 per cent increase on the Hunter K70’s equivalent $41,000 price-point if it arrives, putting it around the $50,000 mark in Australia.